The original Confederation Lake Hut was built a number of years ago under the auspices of the BC Forest Service, but that hut, which was in a state of disrepair was replaced in fall 2016 with a brand new fully enclosed hut with pellet stove. This lovely hut sits at the edge of an ancient fir forest that you must climb through to get there. It is located on the shore of a fish-bearing lake, which is also great for swimming!
The climb up to this hut will leave you breathless – literally and figuratively! This is a steep part of the trail, but it traverses through stunning patches of old growth. Take your walking stick for this section of the trail, and plenty of water. Confederation Lake is a great destination for a day hike. Take a lunch and make the hut your half-way point, either going back down the way you came, or continuing on and descending on the Fiddlehead Landing Trail.
Confederation Lake Hut At-A-Glance
- 74
- 10
- Fully enclosed, winterized cabin
- Outhouse, picnic table, fire pit
Why you should go
Confederation Lake sits at the edge of an ancient fir forest, and this is a part of the SCT you won’t soon forget. The hike is easily accessible off of the Inland Lake trail section, and though it is steep, you will find yourself distracted by the awe-inspiring trees that surround you most of the way up. Confederation Lake itself is a peaceful oasis, the perfect place to “get away from it all”.
How to get there
Confederation Lake Hut is located in Inland Lake Park, north of Powell River. Turn uphill on Duncan Street to Manson Avenue, and turn left at the stop sign. Follow Manson a little over 2 km to Cassiar. Turn right, then drive around the northeast side of Cranberry Lake to Haslam Street. Turn right up Haslam, and then left onto the gravel road. Follow this road for about 5 km. Turn right at the Haywire Bay/Inland Lake intersection for 2 km, then turn left down into the campsite parking lot.
Hike northward on the gravelled trail that loops around the lake. About 200 m past the totem pole at KM 3 you will find the start of Confederation Lake Trail off to the right. Climb for about 1 km, crossing first a level mossy road, then onto another old road, where you must turn left, uphill. You are about 2 hours from Confederation Lake, and another hour around the south shore of the lake to the hut. The trail is steep as it ascends to the lake, but undulating from there along the shore to the hut. Old growth abounds, and is substantial in stretches.
See the Sunshine Coast Trail Guidebook for more detailed information.
